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Queensland won the battle tonight with a convincing 32-8 victory over New South Wales in Game 3 of State of Origin.
But New South Wales won the war and take out the 2014 Origin series 2-1.
Tonight was a great win for the Maroons; they will head into next year’s series full of confidence.
It was a stunning return from injury for Cooper Cronk who crossed for Queensland’s final try.
Veterans Cameron Smith and Billy Slater also got their names on the scoresheet as the Maroon’s attack kicked into gear in the second half.
FULLTIME:
QLD 32
NSW 8
Having finally secured a State of Origin series win in 2014, the New South Wales Blues would love nothing more than to earn an clean sweep against the Queensland Maroons in Game 3 at Lang Park tonight.
oin The Roar for live scores and commentary of 2014 State of Origin Game 3 from 8:00pm AEST, with kickoff expected around 8:15pm AEST.
The Queensland team, for the first time in many years, will be playing for pride in the State of Origin arena as they look to avoid a 3-nil series defeat to NSW.
The Maroons welcome halfback Cooper Cronk back into the fold after he broke his arm in the opening Origin game over a month ago.
With Cronk back in the starting side, Daly Cherry-Evans goes to the bench, after starting in Game 2. Cronk’s Storm teammate Will Chambers also makes his debut for the Maroons, filling the void left by the injured Brent Tate.
NSW, meanwhile, have stuck largely with the same team that did the job against Queensland several weeks ago. The playmaking spine remains unchanged, with Jarryd Hayne, Trent Hodkinson, Josh Reynolds and Robbie Farah once again starting.
Josh Morris also makes his return for the Blues after suffering an injury in the opening Origin game. Bulldogs fans will be hoping that he finishes tonight’s contest unscathed and ready for the rest of the NRL season.
With the series already won, both teams should be expected to play a tough but entertaining brand of football. Origin 2 was a dire affair, to say the least, and both teams will be looking to produce a high quality game of football befitting the Origin arena.
We should expect more tries than the previous two matches, with less players, except Cronk, coming into the game with niggles.
Another strong performance from Hayne tonight would surely see him secure a player of the series award given how well he performed in Games 1 and 2.
Maroons halfback Johnathan Thurston on the other hand has had a disappointing series by his high standards and will look to fire tonight to guide Queensland to a morale boosting victory.
NSW though have confidence and, most importantly, belief to secure another victory. Having ended Queensland’s dominance in Sydney, the beginning of a new dominant era for the Blues could begin tonight in Brisbane.
NSW by 6.
Join The Roar for live scores, commentary and full match highlights from 8:00pm (AEST).
cherish.kohere
Guest
nsw will win if thay just beleave in them selfs and try not to get nerves about anything even if thay win or lose that still did there best and had a great game
Girl NSW
Guest
What really hurts QLD is the fact that in The Decider last year they DIDN'T SCORE. So much for the great side that won 8 consecutive series in a Row. Trent Hodkinson slipping through the muffled trieless QLD'ers and then that spectacular Goal was one of the prettiest sights I've ever seen. AND unless you have accurate fortune telling powers, it's anyone's Series this year. COME ON NSW!!!!
WQ
Guest
You missed the fact that Laurie Daley has spent the last 3 weeks teaching Gallen how to give a gracious victory speech!
jacksyd
Guest
NSW played like a team who had already won SOO. After all the physical and mental strain that went into games 1 and 2, despite all the media hype to try and promote game 3 as crucial for no other reason than to sell tickets and viewing ratings, the fact remains it was a dead rubber and thats how it felt watching. NSW are Champions for 2014 and thats what it will be remembered for. All the garbage around how important game 3 was regarding establishing momentum for next year is hilarious. Meninga's sour grapes comments after the game when he mentioned 2-3 times tht QLD were "finally allowed to play" was an exhibition of sour grapes and poor sportsmanship.
Albatross
Guest
Gallen holding the shield aloft = $5000. Gals photo of the dead rubbers littering the blues changing room floor following their post match celebrations = Priceless. But then, I guess they deserve it after such a wait. They've obviously developed a special bond after 8 years of beatings. Well done Gal and the boys.
Albatross
Guest
Careful not to wet the bed!
TheSmak
Guest
I would say it hurts Gal more because of the fact that its named after a queenslander.
TheSmak
Guest
Just finished night shift and watched the highlights, go the maroons.
Kurt
Guest
He didn't brush it off, Nate had the runs it dripped off,
Kurt
Guest
Got it in one, that and the copious amounts of beer I'm drinking to a series win!!!, but you enjoy that victory by the ref, you boys deserved it.
Albatross
Guest
Hoppa will find it for him!
Albatross
Guest
You still can't unravel the mystery of the comment Kurt. It must be past your bed time.
Kurt
Guest
so much wit, from the man questioning how to spells NSW,
Albatross
Guest
You really haven't grasped the thread have you kid! Hahaha
Kurt
Guest
The wit, so much wit, from the man questioning how to spells NSW
Muzz
Guest
Reynolds 9 missed tackles.That has to be a typo or some kind of record.
Bee bee
Guest
You forgot our Italian Stallion Guerra. At least we don't recruit from Middle Earth. Isn't Hodgkinson a Hobbit. I'm sure he wanders the plains of Mordor searching for his ring.
Gundy Dragon
Guest
You did see the knock twist Smith put on Gallen in one of the early tackles didn't you W.Q. The only thing classy about that is that he gets away with it game after game.
Mark Ferguson
Roar Rookie
Yeah it's real poor but not as bad as the cricket during the summer which is in SD and when they go to GEM during newsbreak it's in HDTV on GEM.If you want the HD of the league you have to get Fox as the 9 coverage is replayed on Fox's High Def sports channel in HD.
Emcie
Roar Guru
Reynolds just seems to be a less useful Enis